Ichida Gaki Dried Persimmon (Nagano): season, origin and where to buy

Seasonal calendar

Domestic shipments peak in November and December, and exports continue after the New Year.

Timing shifts with the weather and conditions in each region.

Official registration details (MAFF)

The registered description as published by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

Characteristics

ICHIDA GAKI is a dried Kaki (persimmon) using small Ichida kaki variety. The sugar context of the product is very high. By employing traditional drying and kneading methods, it becomes light-brown color and soft texture with a powdery sugar coating on the surface.

Link with the production area

Shimo-Ichida (currently Takamori Town) in Shimo-Ina County is the birthplace of ICHIDA GAKI. The region’s temperature gap between day and night creates high sugar content persimmon. Also, the river fog generated during late fall to early winter brings preferable temperature and humidity for producing high quality dried Kaki.

Characteristics and link with the area: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries website (https://www.maff.go.jp/e/policies/intel/gi_act/register/s13.html)

Where to buy

As a rule, only products that meet the registered standard may use a GI name (with exceptions such as prior use). Check for the GI mark and the place of origin to tell it apart from ordinary products with similar names.

Find on furusato nozei (opens in a new tab)Find online (opens in a new tab)

These links go to Japanese-language shops; check whether they ship overseas.

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FAQ

Ichida Gaki is a dried persimmon made in Iida City, Shimoina County and nearby areas of Nagano Prefecture from the small, very sweet Ichida persimmon, a variety native to the area. Traditional drying and thorough kneading give it an amber color, a soft, chewy texture and a fine coating of white glucose powder.

Ichida Gaki Dried Persimmon is produced in Iida City, Shimoina County, and Iijima Town and Nakagawa Village in Kamiina County, Nagano Prefecture.

Ichida Gaki Dried Persimmon is in season (harvested or shipped) in Nov–Jan. Domestic shipments peak in November and December, and exports continue after the New Year.

Look for it via furusato nozei (hometown tax donation) and online shops. Check the GI mark and the place of origin before you buy.

Ichida Gaki Dried Persimmon was registered as a Geographical Indication on July 12, 2016 (Registration No. 13). The registered producer group is JA Minami Shinsyu (Japan Agricultural Cooperatives).